(1) The township board of a township may order the construction, repair, or maintenance of, or may construct, repair, or maintain sidewalks in a designated area within the township because of the health, safety, or welfare of the residents of the township.

    (2) The township board shall hold a public meeting relative to the ordering of the sidewalk construction, repair, or maintenance and shall notify property owners involved of the time and place of the hearing.

    (3) If the board determines that the construction, repair, or maintenance of sidewalks is necessary, it may construct, repair, or maintain the sidewalks and assess the costs to the property involved, payable over a 5-year period, or permit the owners of the property involved to have the sidewalks constructed, repaired, or maintained according to township specifications at their own expenses. Sidewalks constructed, repaired, or maintained under this section on the right-of-way of state highways or county roads must have the approval of the state or county highway authority having jurisdiction over the highway or road.

    (4) A township board may construct, repair, and maintain walkways or sidewalks along main or arterial roads where it considers it necessary to protect the safety of the public. The costs of the sidewalks may be paid by the township at large. When determined necessary by the township board, the board shall submit to the electors the question of raising the necessary funds by a levy not to exceed 1 mill at a general, primary, or special election.